The reckless afterlife of Harriet Stoker by Lauren James
Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781406391121.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. What a unique ride! There are ghosts with
strong powers surviving the afterlife in a desolate building and
then there is Harriet Stoker a newly formed ghost, determined to
return home to her grandmother, no matter the cost to everyone
around her. Chaos reigns as she exploits the little group of friends
who have made a family for themselves in the afterlife. There is
Rima, with her fox spirit Cody, Felix who is in love with the
oblivious Kasper, and Leah and her baby Claudia, all who have bonded
together. They are willing to accept Harriet into their group and
help her adjust to the afterlife, but Harriet has no qualms about
pursuing everyone's powers and making them her own.
The plot has many twists and turns and keeps the reader engrossed,
trying to work out just what is going on and whether Harriet will
destroy many of the ghosts in the building. There are clues left for
the observant reader, but many, many surprises as Harriet ploughs
through the spirits in the building, not caring who she hurts on the
way.
Told in multiple voices of Harriet and the group of friends, with
the addition of an unidentified narrator, this clever and compulsive
story richly describes each of the individuals and gives insight
into their personalities, strengths and weaknesses and the life they
lead. Although Harriet is flawed, the reader can identify with the
way that her grandmother has brought her up, emphasising a selfish
outlook on life, and even when appalled at her actions can still
feel some sympathy for her. The relationship between Felix and
Kasper is beautifully handled and even baby Claudia is a stunning
character.
This is a ghost story like no other I have read. James has the
capacity to write engrossing stories that beg to be read in a couple
of sittings, while at the same time examining some thought provoking
themes. In this novel she looks at good versus evil and the ethics
of an individual selfishly using other people and their powers, and
whether individuals are accountable for their own actions or can
blame how they are brought up and the power of fear.
An original ghost story, this thriller is sure to appeal to fans of
the supernatural genre.
Pat Pledger